So!Art Association: The exhibition of Murano glass in Paris, at the Musée Maillol (from 27 March to 28 July 2013)

суббота, 15 июня 2013 г.

The exhibition of Murano glass in Paris, at the Musée Maillol (from 27 March to 28 July 2013)

We remind you that till 28 July 2013 you have a unique opportunity to admire the exhibition of Murano glass in Paris.

For the first time in France, an exhibition features an extraordinary adventure of the Murano glass, its evolution from the XVth century to our days.

Did you know that the tradition of the Venetian glass goes back to the VIth century? The first glassmakers lived in Venice, but later their manufactories were moved to Murano, island in the Venetian Lagoon, to avoid the risk of fire from the furnaces spreading onto the largely wooden structures of overpopulated Venice. However, many historians agree that the true motive for this transfer was to isolate the glass craftsmen to a location where they wouldn’t be able to disclose trade secrets.

Master glassmakers were subject to draconian rules: they were not allowed to leave Venice or to export their technique, on pain of death. In particular, a 1271 law prohibited the importation of foreign glass or the employment of foreign glassworkers.

Artisans working in the glass trade were well rewarded for their efforts. They had a privileged social status, and their daughters were allowed to marry into the wealthiest and noblest of Venetian families. Moreover, they had a right to mint their personal coin!
Venetian glass reached the peak of its popularity in the 15th and 16th centuries, growing into Venice’s second most important industry after the shipbuilding in the Arsenale.

Today, artists, designers and architects from all around the world come to Murano to work with the master glassmakers to produce pieces embodying an excellence founded on centuries of tradition.
The exhibition takes place at the Musée Maillol, in Paris. For those who appreciate Murano glass and other rare pieces of art So!Art organizes visits to flea markets of Paris and Brussels. We offer you a chance to find real masterpieces for symbolic prices.